5 pa'anga 1967
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a splendid example of Tonga's first post-independence currency issue from 1967, the 5 pa'anga note featuring Queen Salote Tupou III in portrait on the obverse. The note displays the characteristic purple and multicolor scheme typical of this series, with fine intaglio engraving throughout and exceptional detail in both the heraldic arms and the architectural landmark on the reverse. In UNC condition with crisp paper and no visible wear, this note represents a significant piece of Tongan numismatic history from the Kingdom's Currency Commission era.
Common. The eBay market data shows consistent UNC listings in the $5-$12 range with an average around $7-$8, indicating robust supply and routine collector demand rather than scarcity. The 2019 catalogue value of $375 for UNC appears to be significantly inflated relative to actual market transactions. Print run for this 1967 Currency Commission issue was substantial for a small island nation transitioning to independent currency, and no evidence of recalls or withdrawal from circulation suggests this variety was produced in normal quantities. The note remains readily available to collectors.
Issued in 1967 during the reign of Queen Salote Tupou III, this banknote commemorates Tonga's transition to modern currency independence following increased autonomy from British oversight. The obverse features the respected Queen, while the reverse depicts the Ha'amonga 'a Maui trilithon—an ancient stone gateway and sacred monument central to Tongan cultural identity, symbolizing the nation's historical continuity and sovereignty. This series marked the beginning of Tonga's independent monetary policy under the newly established Currency Commission.
The obverse presents Queen Salote Tupou III in formal three-quarter portrait on the right side, rendered with exceptional detail through fine line engraving. The left side features the ornate coat of arms of Tonga—a heraldic shield with crossed regalia and crown surmounting it. A prominent circular medallion in the center contains the numeral '5' and 'PA'ANGA' inscription. The reverse showcases the Ha'amonga 'a Maui, the famous three-stone trilithon gateway located in Tongan Nuku'alofa, depicted with naturalistic landscape detailing including palm trees, vegetation, and stone architectural elements rendered in olive-green and purple tones. Both sides feature decorative rosette medallions and intricate guilloche border patterns characteristic of high-security banknote design.
Front Side: 'PULE'ANGA 'O TONGA' (Kingdom of Tonga); 'KOMISIONA PA'ANGA' (Currency Commission); 'PA'ANGA'E NIMA' (Five pa'anga); 'T$5' (5 pa'anga denomination); '3rd April, 1967' (Issue date); Serial number 'A034719'. Back Side: 'GOVERNMENT OF TONGA' (Government of Tonga); 'T$5' (5 pa'anga denomination); 'PA'ANGA' (pa'anga currency); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (Legal tender declaration).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, the world-renowned security printer. The fine line work, guilloche patterns, and precise color registration visible in both the purple and multicolor underprints are hallmarks of de la Rue's superior intaglio methodology. The multiple color application and exceptional detail in portraiture and architectural rendering confirm professional security printer production standards of the 1960s.
This note is catalogued as Pick 16a, with known variants including P-16c and P-16s per PMG population records. The specific variety designation indicates variations in signatures, date issues, or printer marks. The observed specimen displays the date '3rd April, 1967' and serial number format 'A034719', which should be cross-referenced against Pick catalogue detail for precise variety identification. Further research into signature combinations and serial number prefixes would confirm exact variety assignment within the P-16 family.
